How the Teachers Fund is Transforming Classrooms

In celebration of Shorecrest’s centennial year in 2023, the School announced the creation of the Teachers Fund — a unique opportunity to honor the dedication and impact of Shorecrest teachers on their students’ lives every day. The Teachers Fund enabled the Shorecrest community to show their appreciation by directing resources directly to those who shape the classroom experience.

On December 2, 2023, all proceeds raised through the Shorecrest Gala and Centennial Raffle were dedicated to the Teachers Fund. Grants have been used to support Shorecrest classroom teachers in meaningful ways, including professional development opportunities, classroom projects, advanced technology, DEI initiatives, travel and more. These investments directly support our strategic goals of academic excellence, fostering innovation, and enhancing the educational experience for all Shorecrest students.

Teachers were invited to submit proposals for the Fund, and the results have been inspiring. 

Travel Adventures

Prior Shorecrest News articles featured some of the Experiential and Lower School teachers who studied more about the Reggio Emilia Approach first hand at the Loris Malaguzzi Center in Italy. A group of Lower School teachers also trained in the Youcubed Mindset Mathematics course at Stanford University's Graduate School of Education. Two first grade teachers traveled to Finland to attend the FullSTEAM conference.

Upper School history teacher Alex Moya took a trip to central and southern Europe. “I explored pivotal European historical and cultural sites to enrich my history curriculum,” he explained. “Highlights included the Stasi Headquarters and Checkpoint Charlie Museum in Berlin, which deepened my understanding of Cold War history, as well as Goethe's house and the Museum of the German Romantics, offering insight into Germany's literary and artistic heritage. I also visited iconic landmarks in Italy such as St. Peter's Basilica and the surrounding Vatican museums including the Sistine Chapel, in addition to the Roman Forum, the Duomo in Florence, and other sites, all of which provided invaluable perspectives on ancient, Renaissance, and medieval European history.”

Al Irwin teaches Honors Accelerated History and Civilization of the Spanish-Speaking World in the Upper School. In this course classes take a deep dive into the mid 1970s through early ‘80s politics of Argentina and Chile, commonly known as the years of The Dirty War / La dictadura, as the backdrop for a unit on Human Rights and Identity. Mr. Irwin has been conducting academic research on these years through the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo. The Teachers Fund allowed him to visit sites such as a clandestine center for those kidnapped by the military during this era, witness first-hand a courtroom conducting ongoing trials for the crimes against humanity during the dictatorship, tour the Museo de la memoria y los derechos humanos, attend a march with the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, and continue the relationships he has built with the Abuelas. He has met with individuals connected to the work being done around identifying kidnapping victims and linking them with their biological families.

He also took advantage of the proximity to Iguazú and Colonia, Uruguay, to bring back items and insight for a unit on the environment as well as virtual trips in his Spanish classes.  

Two Middle School teachers who traveled shared details of their experiences. Each year fifth grade English teacher Bonnie Lurie reads “A Long Walk to Water” with her students. The book details the struggles faced by South Sudanese Refugees as they escape war and search for clean water. She visited the South Sudanese Refugee Center in San Diego to establish a relationship with their program which her students can continue to grow via Webex while working on interview skills. The Chargers have already written letters to the children who are served by the community center. 

Fifth grade science teacher Sally Blush attended Space Camp for Educators. “It was the best professional development opportunity I've ever had!” she exclaimed. “At the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, I learned about NASA’s past, current, and future missions with a group of amazing teachers from all over the world. Each day was filled with astronaut simulations, engineering projects, and classroom activities to increase my knowledge of Earth, space, the moon, and Mars. I am looking forward to sharing all of these exciting experiences with my students!” This program will help her expand the fifth grade Earth and Space Unit.

Other Middle School travel included Dr. Lizz Angello viewing performances of “Macbeth” at the Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C. and the Harold Pinter Theatre in London (starring Ralph Fiennes and David Tennant respectively). “I learned some fascinating things about a play that I thought I knew inside and out,” she shared. While at the British Library she viewed the only surviving manuscript of “Beowulf” - which she teaches every year. 

Lower School Art Teacher Lori Auletta viewed a treasure trove of artistic and architectural gems in Italy. "After reading The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo’s life, I was inspired to explore Renaissance art in person," Ms. Auletta explained. "With support from the Teachers Fund, I traveled to Florence and Arezzo to see the origins of this incredible period and the masterpieces preserved in churches, museums, and convents. The highlight of the trip was a fresco workshop in the beautiful hill town of Anghiari, where I got hands-on experience with this challenging art form. It was an unforgettable way to connect with the past and I’m excited to bring this knowledge and inspiration into my classroom, enriching my lessons and sparking curiosity in my students."

Middle School Spanish teacher Nayka Miller expressed her gratitude for the generous support that enabled her to participate in the professional development program in Turkey with the Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO).

“This PD opportunity was truly transformative,” she acknowledged. “Exploring Turkey's rich history, diverse culture, and unique geography has significantly broadened my personal and professional horizons, greatly enriching my teaching practice. Visiting historical sites such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Troy, Gallipoli War Cemetery, and Ephesus was deeply insightful. The experiences of staying with 2 local families and collaborating with the Cop(m)adam Türkiye Women Up-cycling Facility and Cooperative were invaluable. I am eager to share the knowledge and experiences I gained with my students, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures and their connections to language, trade, and cuisine.”

Classroom Supplies

A handful of teachers used funds to enhance the tools in their classrooms. Sixth grade science teacher Curtis Cruise utilized funds to enhance his curriculum with new equipment and resources. Part of the money was spent on a Pine Derby Race Track for the Egg Car Project his classes complete each year. The track includes a starting gate and motion sensors to enrich the racing experience. "I am always searching for anything I can do to make the classroom experience more engaging for students and these purchases added to my toolbox for learning," Cruise noted.

Additionally, he attended the NSTA Conference, where he participated in numerous workshops and collaborated with fellow science educators, exchanging ideas for labs and projects. While at the conference, Mr. Cruise also purchased molecular model kits, catapults, and other hands-on supplies to further support lab activities in his classroom.

Upper School science teacher Lisa Peck purchased additional simulated mannequin arms for students to learn to take blood pressure, as well as five vein models and five artery models for the Peck Center for Medical Sciences. 

Sidy Ndiaye teaches Upper School French, and each year his students enter video contests as part of their language learning. His funds went towards upgraded video equipment for these projects. 

The Kindergarten teachers grouped their funds to enhance their classroom libraries with just-right books for little Chargers. 

Personal Growth 

Some Shorecrest teachers saw a benefit in using funds for their personal growth as educators. 

Takeya Trayer, studio teacher in The Experiential School, signed up for piano lessons from Lower School music teacher Rose Supper. As someone who often offers little ones an initial introduction to the language of music, this broadening of her repertoire will also benefit Experiential School students.

Ashley Casano, a first grade teacher completed Orton-Gillingham and Morphology training through IMSE and obtained an Orton-Gillingham Fidelity Certificate. These programs build deeper knowledge of literacy that can improve any classroom. “The courses will also provide more in-depth information about helping students with dyslexia,” Casano offered. 

The Upper School math department is always looking for ways to challenge our top scholars and meet the needs of all learners. AP Precalculus is a new AP offering for the 2024-2025 school year. “To learn more about this new AP course I attended an AP Institute at UT Austin over the summer,” said Sarah Anderson, Upper School math teacher. “During this week-long institute I learned not only the details of the course, but had the chance to collaborate with other educators to discuss and develop instructional strategies and share resources. The Teachers Fund allowed me to travel to participate in this wonderful professional-development opportunity and bring fresh ideas to our math course offerings.” 

Betsy Dougherty teaches Middle School P.E. and health. She is grateful to the Teachers Fund for sponsoring a two-year professional development study of yoga for movement professionals with an emphasis on mindfulness and mental health. 

“In a short period of time I have been able to experience a variety of classes and bring back exercises in flexibility and strength to my classes and athletic teams,” she explained. “This professional development supports the wellness aspect of Shorecrest's Mission. The biggest takeaway so far has been the training in mindfulness and breathwork which has allowed me to help students experiencing anxiety and stress.”

Evan McDaniel provides Middle School math support. He expanded his computer knowledge by taking several classes and receiving a certification in Python coding.

Jennifer Summers is a teacher in the Experiential School. She studied woodworking over the summer, which led to creating a dedicated space and materials for all JK students to use tools and work with wood. About her use of the Teacher Fund, Jennifer enthused, “I have always loved woodworking with children. The variety of skills that children build makes this work hugely valuable: fine motor, planning, problem solving, patience, teamwork, and so much more. Taking courses at Florida School of Woodwork has helped me gain hands-on experience  so I can understand the best way to scaffold this work for young children. I am currently developing and piloting a woodworking/maker curriculum in my classroom that I'd love to bring to the entire Experiential School (and beyond?)”

Some Shorecrest teachers have already embarked on professional journeys that enrich their skills through the Teachers Fund, while others have planned transformative experiences for the upcoming winter break and summer of 2025. Look for future Shorecrest News articles about a GEOO tour of Morocco, travel to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a visit to historical sites of the American wild west, and even a trip to Madrid, Spain, to reconnect with former Lower School Teachers Laura Garcia and Roberto Buron. 

These experiences, supplies and training were made possible through Shorecrest community members' contributions at the 2023 Shorecrest Gala and Centennial Raffle. Thank you for supporting our classroom teachers and enriching the Shorecrest experience for each and every student.